University of New Haven

Department of Psychology

University of New Haven logoCommunity Psychology Program 

Degrees Offered: Master's (Terminal)

Website: http://www.newhaven.edu/arts-sciences/graduate-programs/community-psychology/index.php

At A Glance

Full-time Faculty: 22

Full-time Faculty Identifying as Community Psychologists: 2

# of Students Admitted Each Year: 15-20

Available Student Assistantships: Graduate assistantships providing tuition reduction plus a stipend. Applications can be accessed at http://www.newhaven.edu/admissions/gradadmissions/4931/

University of New Haven group photo

The Program

Community Psychology students come to UNH with a variety of educational and professional experiences and cultural perspectives. Such diversity promotes a healthy exchange of ideas and complements a dynamic learning environment. With a strong focus on social justice and program development, the 36-credit program includes full- and part-time students, recent college graduates, and returning students. Many of our students participate actively in campus life (e.g., the Community Psychology Club, the Graduate Student Council), in our CP Research Lab, and in community organizations in the Greater New Haven Area. Our students develop a strong identity with the program, the faculty, and the profession during their time here and beyond.

Ours is one of the oldest free-standing master's programs in community psychology in the country. We've been doing this for a long time, and we're good at it! Click here to find out more about the program and what students have to say about it. 

Program Alumni Information

The program focuses on training researchers and practitioners. Graduates from the program are typically employed in government, healthcare and/or the nonprofit sector. 

Student Testimonials

Being a part of this program was one of the best decisions of my life.
I loved the practical skills I gained, which I continue to use in my career.

The [CP Program's] small size made me feel like my professors and peers really knew me, which allowed me to feel like I was an integral part of the classroom.

The connections you make here are invaluable. Whether it be with your professors, classmates, or the people at your internship site, there are so many opportunities!

Curriculum

Core Curriculum (18 credits/6 courses)

    • Foundations of Community Psychology
    • Psychometrics and Statistics
    • Research Methods
    • Program Evaluation
    • Consultation Fieldwork and Seminar
    • Intervention Fieldwork and Seminar

Program Concentrations (9 credits/3 courses) Students may select one of the three program concentrations below. All concentrations include a 2-semester internship where students develop professional skills in their area of interest. 

    • Community/Clinical Services- Prepares students for careers in mental health and related human service settings; direct work with clients is stressed
    • Forensic Psychology- Prepares students for careers the planning and administration of traditional and non-traditional programs and services
    • Program Development- Prepares students for careers in the management and care of offenders in community-based criminal justice settings

Electives (9 credits/3 courses)  Electives may be taken in other related departments (e.g., Public Administration, Criminal Justice, I/O Psychology, Education) 

Thesis Students may elect to write a thesis as part of their program of study. The thesis option is generally chosen by students planning on using our program as a stepping-stone to pursuing a doctoral degree and by individuals with strong research interests.

Practica and Internships

The internship program is a core aspect of the UNH community psychology program. Students are able to choose from an unusually rich array of community settings in the Greater New Haven area. Internships provide opportunities for extensive skill development and work experience in individual intervention, consultation, and systems intervention.

Community Psychology Faculty

Full-time and adjunct instructors represent all of the specialty areas in Community Psychology. Our faculty members have years of experience as practicing Community and Clinical Psychologists in the private and public sectors. Several professors in our program have received awards for teaching and research excellence. Faculty members take the time to help make UNH a rewarding educational, professional, and social experience for our students.

Research Interests include:

  • Risk and protective factors for children exposed to trauma and their families 
  • Program evaluations for youth-focused community programs
  • Adaptation and evaluation of culture-specific programs for underserved communities, particularly interventions for Latinx populations
  • Domestic violence prevention
  • Implementation and evaluation of community programs addressing ACES in children and families